Tuesday, March 16, 2010

ROASTED POTATOES

I guess the irish in my blood boils up to the surface at the sight of a potato! When I make these roasted potatoes, it is like a battle on the plate between me and my family... that includes my 3 and 6 yr olds! There is just nothing like these potatoes!

I learned this recipe from my mother in law, who is honestly the source of inspiration in a lot of my cooking these days. I just think good Italian mothers get no love! So here's to you Bruna, I love you and your food!

ROASTED POTATOES
















INGREDIENTS:
Bag of Gold Potatoes (gold is my favorite, you can use sweet, russet, anything you love)
olive oil
sea salt
Dried or Fresh Rosemary
2-3 Garlic cloves
Non-Stick Spray
Big Pot
Steamer Basket
Cookie Sheet

Oven Temp: 450 degree
Oven Cooking Time: 20 minutes + 5 min broil


Before you do anything, go ahead and peel your potatoes!
















Put your steamer basket in a large pot, I am using my pasta pot because the bottom is not too big and the steamer basket fits nice into it.
I add water just till it touches the steamer basket.
Then spray your basket with non stick spray.
Put it on the stove and bring the water to a boil.
















Now you have time to cut up your potatoes.
I cut them in slices about an inch or more. Then I cut those into quarters.































Once the potatoes are cut up, the water should be boiling.
Put your potatoes in the pot and cover it. I steam the potatoes for 5-10 minutes.
Really depends on the heat and the potatoes. If I can cut the potato pretty easily with a spoon, I consider it ready.
















While your potatoes are steaming, start pre heating your oven.
I set mine to 450 degree.
Now you can prepare your cookie sheet.
I pour oil down the middle. I don't measure this, but I would do it to a count of 4 or 5.
I crush my garlic with the large part of my knife, just to break it up, add that to the oil.
Then, I put a generous amount of rosemary right into the oil. With fresh, you can use less, because the flavor is stronger, but with dried, I find I need more.
This is going to sit and wait on the potatoes.
















Once your potatoes are ready, I find that just pouring them into the strainer is the best way to get them out without breaking them up.
















Now, just transfer them to the cookie sheet. Pour it right on top of the oil mix.
















I add a generous pinch of fine sea salt
















Then mix it up by hand. It is really the best way to be sure you get the oil mix and salt distributed. Then just evenly spread them on the cookie sheet.
















Now they go into the pre heated 450 degree oven for 20 minutes.
Then turn your oven to broil and broil the tops for 5 minutes.
















When you take them out of the oven, they should be golden and crunchy, while soft in the middle. Oh so delicious!!!!
These are so good, you will be craving them every night!
Buon Appetito!






























BONUS TIP
If you want to add more vegetables, cut up zucchini and add it to the cookie sheet after you have steamed your potatoes. It is a wonderful addition that your family will love!!! And a great way to get more vegetables into your dinner!




Friday, March 5, 2010

6 1/2 CUPCAKES

Okay... I didn't make only 6 1/2 cupcakes, I made cupcakes to celebrate my son turning 6 1/2!!!!
Since his birthday is early Sept and he doesn't get to have a party at school, we decided to start celebrating half birthdays for school!!!!
Great part is that you get to have a cool cupcake in honor of yourself! Love it!

















WHAT I USED:
1 box of Butter Yellow Cake Mix
1 tub of Creamy Milk Chocolate Frosting
a little tub of white cake decorating gel
Sprinkles for a splash of fun!!!!

Followed the directions for cupcakes and decorated.


FAVORITE ONLINE ITALIAN FOOD STORE


And they are have some great March specials!!!!
I am in no way affiliated with this store, but I do use them all the time for things I can't find locally.

Click HERE to find some great deals at Pasta Cheese!